Taking too much Panadol (paracetamol) can cause an overdose that primarily leads to severe liver damage, which may result in liver failure and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms of overdose typically appear about 24 hours after ingestion and include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, seizures, and in severe cases, coma. Immediate medical attention is critical, and an antidote (acetylcysteine) can be administered to reduce liver damage if treatment is started early.
Symptoms of Panadol Overdose
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Seizures and coma in severe cases
- Later symptoms may include yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), low blood sugar, and coordination problems.
Consequences of Overdose
- Liver failure, which can take 2–4 days to develop
- Possible kidney damage and other organ complications
- Death can occur if untreated.
Treatment and Prevention
- Call emergency services immediately if overdose is suspected, even without symptoms
- Early administration of the antidote acetylcysteine is critical to prevent liver failure
- Activated charcoal may be used to limit drug absorption in some cases
- Avoid taking multiple medicines containing paracetamol to prevent accidental overdose.
In summary, taking too much Panadol is a medical emergency mostly because of its risk to the liver, and immediate treatment is crucial to avoid severe or fatal outcomes.
